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About Criminal Justice

What is Criminal Justice?

Criminal justice is social control and makes civilization possible. The goal of criminal justice is to set standards of behavior and ensure social capital, so we can trust other people and go about our daily lives. Social control goes beyond justice, it includes mental health, religion, and education.

At SUNY Plattsburgh, we ask and answer the questions:

Does the death penalty deter murder?

What is it like to live in prison, and what is it like to work there?

What are the causes of crime and juvenile delinquency?

What are the social consequences of poverty, racism, and crime, and how can society deal with these issues?

Why do state and federal governments execute their own citizens?

What happens when someone is wrongfully convicted?

What are the rights of the accused?

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

For more information about the criminal justice program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact